National News

Obamacare threatens cuts for volunteer firefighters

Obamacare threatens to cut hours and benefits for volunteer firefighters due to its mandate that employers provide health insurance for all employees, including volunteers.

Volunteer firefighters are labeled as employees so they can receive retirement benefits and other incentives. But Obamacare’s employer mandate requiring employers to provide health insurance for all employees logging 30 hours or more per week is causing concern at fire departments.

Volunteer firefighters may see their hours or benefits cut, so small fire departments can avoid providing costly insurance or paying fines for failing to insure employees, AP reports. The likelihood that volunteers will work more than 30 hours a week is greater in the winter months, according to the fire chief of Freeport, Maine.